The Icon (The Influencer 4) by Adriane Leigh-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 17, 2026

She fooled millions with a microphone and a perfect smile.

Shae Halston was supposed to be a cautionary tale—until the internet turned her into a saint. Framed for a murder she insists she didn’t commit, she becomes a viral symbol of injustice… an icon the world needs to believe in.

But Shae isn’t a victim.

She’s a predator with a gift: she doesn’t fabricate trauma—she edits it. And now, free and freshly rebranded, she’s building a new life in total isolation, far from the noise… and even farther from the truth.

Then the person who helped set her free vanishes.

A whisper becomes a headline. A headline becomes a frenzy. True-crime fans go feral. The Watcher—the anonymous voice that’s been stalking Shae’s narrative from the shadows—tightens the spotlight. And as the story turns ugly, one question consumes everyone:

Did Shae lie her way to freedom… and kill to keep it?

Some women survive the spotlight.

Shae weaponizes it.

••••

REVIEW:THE ICON is the fourth instalment in Adriane Leigh’s contemporary, adult THE INFLUENCER dark, psychological thriller focusing on Shae Halston. THE ICON should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book three THE INTRUDER.

SOME BACKGROUND: Shae Halston is the former social media influencer known as Mia Starr but the unreality of Mia’s online presence was in complete opposition to the reality of Shae’s own life. As Shae succumbed to the demons that were controlling her mind, she takes aim at anyone and everyone she blames for destroying her life

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several first person perspectives (Shae, Evelyn, The Watcher) THE ICON continues to focus on Shae Halston who is currently sitting in prison, quietly manipulating the people in charge. In an effort to secure her freedom, Shae establishes a fan base of believers, who worship at the altar that is Shae Halston, a fan base that will be successful in orchestrating Shae’s release. As Shae rewrites the script that was her life, a documentary crew molds and manages a version of Shae only her followers are willing to accept but someone else is working behind the scenes, revealing the true story about the woman who is once again leaving a trail of bodies behind.

The world building focuses on a predator; the narcissistic, antisocial yet determined psyche of Shae Halston, a master manipulator who controls, destroys and otherwise contributes to the destruction of other people’s lives. As the documentary crew begin to mold and manipulate, they ignore the obvious and the truth until it is too late. The crew and Shae’s followers feed into the frenzy that continues to build, resulting in the upsurge and ascension that becomes the Church of Shae Halston.

We are introduced to documentary producer Evelyn, Interviewer Harper Lane, cinematographer Blake Owens, officer Declan Ridge, and Shae’s half-sister Lila, all of whom will contribute to the intensification of Shae’s power and control.

THE ICON is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and manipulation. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the characters are puppets, easily controlled by the woman in charge. Shae’s story continues in book five THE IDOL.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy